Travel tips for visiting Xinjiang mainly include the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and choice of travel methods.?
Best Travel Time:?
Xinjiang’s vast territory means that the best travel times vary by region. However, generally speaking, the golden period for visiting Xinjiang is from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Ili region are lush and wildflowers bloom, making it an excellent time to appreciate natural scenery. From July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen, making it the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and Hemu. From September to October, autumn brings a colorful Xinjiang, with the trees and poplar forests in Kanas displaying a captivating golden hue, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Must-Visit Attractions:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the "Garden of God’s Backyard". With mountains, lakes, and forests, it is picturesque throughout the seasons, especially in autumn when the scenery at the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) is superb.?
Sayram Lake: Located in the Ili Prefecture, the lake’s blue and silent waters attract countless tourists from outside Xinjiang to the Nadamu Festival held on the grassland by the lake every summer.?
Bayanbulak Grassland: The second-largest grassland in China, it boasts the breathtaking Swan Lake. Every April, thousands of swans fly here from the south to nest and breed.?
Koktokay: The scenic area consists of the Irtysh Grand Canyon, Kokesuli, Yilemut Lake, and the Karaxianger Earthquake Fault Zone. It is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts and photography lovers.?
Choice of Travel Methods:?
Self-Drive Travel: Offers flexible travel times and allows you to stop and admire scenery along the way, but be aware of Xinjiang’s strict speed limit policies and partial lack of signal coverage in some areas.?
Travel in Groups: Xinjiang’s dining culture is characterized by generous portions. If you want to sample a variety of delicacies, traveling in groups is the best choice. Additionally, Xinjiang’s vast territory and scattered attractions make chartering a car a necessity for sightseeing. Traveling in groups can not only split the transportation costs but also enhance travel safety.?
When planning a trip to Xinjiang, you can also consider participating in local cultural experience activities, such as the Nadamu Festival, to gain a deeper understanding of Xinjiang’s historical culture and folk customs. Meanwhile, be sure to prepare appropriate clothing and equipment according to seasonal and weather changes to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.?
